Tig Trim Explanation?

[Viktor Vaughn]

Ready to start heading to the dealership and considering the best deals from 09-12.

However, despite all of my trolling, I am still unclear on the different trims available and what each one doesnt have. Despite living in the northeast US I dont feel like I NEED AWD (however it would be nice) The sunroof on the other hand a must have for me.

Could someone explain (or link)?

[TIGSEL]

Ready to start heading to the dealership and considering the best deals from 09-12.

However, despite all of my trolling, I am still unclear on the different trims available and what each one doesnt have. Despite living in the northeast US I dont feel like I NEED AWD (however it would be nice) The sunroof on the other hand a must have for me.

Could someone explain (or link)?

Not to be rude but VW.com would be a good start. Try to build your Tiguan and you'll see what you get with each level.

[JettaBoy25]

Not to be rude but VW.com would be a good start. Try to build your Tiguan and you'll see what you get with each level.

Agreed,

But to give you a little insight,

if you need sunroof that only will be available with the SE Sunroof and Navigation and up,
there the price point change drastically from the Stock S version.

[saabdrvr]

Agreed,

But to give you a little insight,

if you need sunroof that only will be available with the SE Sunroof and Navigation and up,
there the price point change drastically from the Stock S version.

Choose your trim.

S.

• S $22,840
• S with Sunroof $25,940

SE.

• SE $28,635
• SE with Sunroof and Navigation $30,525

SEL.

• SEL $33,975^{[SIZE=3]*1[/SIZE]}
• SEL with Premium Navigation $34,995
• SEL with Premium Navigation and Dynaudio $38,080

There is also one trim level out there called "LE". (You can't build this on VW.COM)

Essentially it is an "S" but with SE Seats (heated and partial power on driver), 16" alloy wheels, tinted windows... maybe a few othe differences.

You could also go here: http://www.media.vw.com/newsrelease.do?id=788&mid=135

[Viktor Vaughn]

Not to be rude but VW.com would be a good start. Try to build your Tiguan and you'll see what you get with each level.

Ha! of allll the sites I have been to funny thing is the VW site was not one of them....perhaps subconsciously because deep in my heart I know the 12's are out of my price range haha.

I am assuming the site only has has only the 12's but I'll check.

thanks for the other responses.

[saabdrvr]

Ha! of allll the sites I have been to funny thing is the VW site was not one of them....perhaps subconsciously because deep in my heart I know the 12's are out of my price range haha.

I am assuming the site only has has only the 12's but I'll check.

thanks for the other responses.

I can't vouch for accuracy, but this site covers 2011, and I think it you go to the top and choose "Tiguan", you will able to choose 2010 and 2009.

http://www.edmunds.com/volkswagen/tiguan/2011/


S

• 2.0L 4-cyl. engine
• Automatic transmission
• Up to 20 cty/26 hwy mpg
• Bluetooth
• MP3 Player
• Side/Curtain Airbags
• Stability Control
• Traction Control

View All Features & Specs

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S 4Motion

• 2.0L 4-cyl. engine
• Automatic transmission
• Up to 19 cty/25 hwy mpg
• All-wheel drive
• Bluetooth
• MP3 Player
• Side/Curtain Airbags
• Stability Control
• Traction Control

View All Features & Specs


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SE

• 2.0L 4-cyl. engine
• Automatic transmission
• Up to 20 cty/25 hwy mpg
• Navigation System
• Bluetooth
• iPod input
• Satellite radio
• Side/Curtain Airbags
• Stability Control
• Traction Control

View All Features & Specs


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SE 4Motion

• 2.0L 4-cyl. engine
• Automatic transmission
• Up to 19 cty/25 hwy mpg
• All-wheel drive
• Navigation System
• Bluetooth
• iPod input
• Satellite radio
• Side/Curtain Airbags
• Stability Control
• Traction Control

View All Features & Specs


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SEL

• 2.0L 4-cyl. engine
• Automatic transmission
• Up to 20 cty/25 hwy mpg
• Navigation System
• Bluetooth
• iPod input
• Satellite radio
• Side/Curtain Airbags
• Stability Control
• Traction Control

View All Features & Specs


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View photos

SEL 4Motion

• 2.0L 4-cyl. engine
• Automatic transmission
• Up to 19 cty/25 hwy mpg
• All-wheel drive
• Navigation System
• Bluetooth
• iPod input
• Satellite radio
• Side/Curtain Airbags
• Stability Control
• Traction Control

View All Features & Specs


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Published: 09/17/2010 Updated: 03/19/2010
What's New for 2011

Besides a minor face-lift, the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan sees few changes, which include a few feature shuffles among models along with the discontinuation of the Wolfsburg Edition trim.
Introduction

There's a gray area between mainstream crossover SUVs and luxury models and that's where the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan resides -- a niche where economy and utility collide with upscale appointments and badge recognition. The big question is, can a vehicle be both mainstream and luxury? The short answer is a waffling, "maybe."
The VW Tiguan's interior is a welcome departure from the plastic-trimmed cabin of the typical compact crossover. The quality of materials in this VW approaches that of premium brands like Audi, while the solid construction of this VW's interior eclipses that of its competition in the segment. Even the Tiguan's road manners achieve a certain level of sophistication. Compared to its rivals, the Tiguan is, in a single word, European.
The Tiguan's styling cues place it somewhere between the larger VW Touareg SUV and smaller VW Golf hatchback. The Tiguan's look has been updated ever so slightly for 2011, notably with a new grille. Other than this, the only substantive change for 2011 is the elimination of the Wolfsburg Edition trim level. All this suits us just fine, as the mix of European charm and engaging driving dynamics is what sets the Tiguan apart from the rest of the compact crossovers, not simply its styling.
At the same time, the 2011 VW Tiguan comes up slightly short in terms of space and utility. The Tiguan's passenger space is decidedly smaller, and luggage capacity behind the rear seat is substantially less than that of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Even when the rear seat is folded down, the VW's maximum cargo space still comes up about 25 percent shy of its bigger Japanese competitors. Buyers who place a premium on pure utility would probably be better served by something else.
Buyers whose priorities are weighted toward quality and refinement, however, will find the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan a compelling proposition. Of course, even the Tiguan's mix of style and refinement now has been embraced by some of its competition, notably the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. The VW still has an edge when it comes to interior quality, but we think it best to check out all of the alternatives before saying "maybe" to the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover SUV available in S, SE and SEL trim levels.
The base S model comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, keyless entry, cloth upholstery, eight-way manually adjustable front seats, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
The SE adds 17-inch wheels, additional chrome exterior trim, foglights, a roof rack, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, heated washer nozzles, a power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, leatherette vinyl upholstery, a trip computer, a roof storage console and an upgraded touchscreen stereo with satellite radio and an iPod interface. Opting for the SE's Sunroof and Navigation package will get you 18-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof and a navigation system.
The SEL includes all of the above plus adaptive bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, a 12-way power driver seat with memory, keyless ignition and leather upholstery. Adding Premium Navigation to the SEL also includes a rearview camera. The SEL 4Motion with Premium Navigation and Dynaudio option rounds off the Tiguan with all-wheel drive and an eight-speaker premium Dynaudio sound system. Options for all Tiguan models include a trailer hitch, side steps, a ground-effects kit of body pieces and 19-inch wheels.
Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. All trim levels come standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is optional on the SE and SEL. A six-speed manual is standard on the Tiguan S, while a six-speed automatic is optional on the S and standard on the SE and SEL.
In Edmunds performance testing, an all-wheel-drive SEL accelerated from a standstill to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, which is about average for other crossovers in this class. Its EPA-estimated fuel economy is again average at 20 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined for both the front- and all-wheel-drive models with the automatic, while the S trim's standard manual is essentially the same at 19/26/22.
Safety

Standard equipment on the Tiguan includes antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags.
In Edmunds brake testing, the all-wheel-drive Tiguan 4Motion came to a stop from 60 mph in 126 feet -- an average performance. In government crash testing, the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan was awarded a perfect five stars in all front and side crash categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the Tiguan one of its "Top Safety Picks" earning its best rating of "Good" in frontal-offset, side and roof-strength tests.
Interior Design and Special Features

As with most vehicles in the Volkswagen lineup, the 2011 Tiguan boasts a premium-style cabin that approaches Audi in its overall sense of quality. High-end materials, solid craftsmanship and even actual metal trim enhance the premium feel. Most controls are large and well placed, and the available navigation system sports a large screen and a simple interface.
Firm, well-shaped seats provide ample support whether you're logging lots of miles on a road trip or simply negotiating a freeway cloverleaf. The 60/40-split-folding rear seat has a cargo pass-through in the middle, so the Tiguan is adept at carrying cargo and passengers at the same time. The rear seat also slides fore and aft to improve either rear legroom or cargo space and the backrest also reclines.
With the rear seats positioned as far forward as they'll go, the Tiguan can accommodate 23.8 cubic feet of cargo. With the second-row seat folded down, maximum capacity jumps to 56.1 cubic feet, although this is about 17 cubic feet shy of the space afforded by the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Driving Impressions

The 2011 VW Tiguan might not have the most impressive acceleration in the segment, but the torquey power delivery of its turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes it feel lively around town or when passing slower vehicles. When cornering, the Tiguan feels confident and poised, absorbing ruts and bumps with ease. Over rough roads, its high-strength steel frame and heavy-duty dampers add an extra measure of durability.
For the most part, the 2011 Tiguan's electrically assisted steering feels very similar to a traditional hydraulic-assist setup. The steering effort starts light and builds to a moderate amount that won't tax even the skinniest of arms as speed increases. There's not much effort needed for the brake pedal either, as it delivers plenty of stopping power with a modest push.

[Viktor Vaughn]

Got it!

So what do you guys prefer. Seems like at least the SE 4 motion seems to be the minimum. What are you guys thoughts on the trim. Is 4 motion essential in your minds, or is it relative to specific needs/wants etc?

[saabdrvr]

Got it!

So what do you guys prefer. Seems like at least the SE 4 motion seems to be the minimum. What are you guys thoughts on the trim. Is 4 motion essential in your minds, or is it relative to specific needs/wants etc?

I grew up in Western MA driving rear wheel drive cars, so when I started driving front wheel drive cars it was markedly easier to navigate in winter conditions. Now having owned an Audi quattro and now the Tiguan 4Mo, all I can say is there is no substitute when the conditions call for it. You pay a small penalty in miles per gallon (extra weight on the vehicle), but that is the price I pay to enjoy great control in conditions that cause others to stay home or struggle mightily.

If you are a skilled and confident driver with good winter tires, a FWD Tiguan might be just fine and you can invest instead in a panoramic sunroof.

[Viktor Vaughn]

I grew up in Western MA driving rear wheel drive cars, so when I started driving front wheel drive cars it was markedly easier to navigate in winter conditions. Now having owned an Audi quattro and now the Tiguan 4Mo, all I can say is there is no substitute when the conditions call for it. You pay a small penalty in miles per gallon (extra weight on the vehicle), but that is the price I pay to enjoy great control in conditions that cause others to stay home or struggle mightily.

If you are a skilled and confident driver with good winter tires, a FWD Tiguan might be just fine and you can invest instead in a panoramic sunroof.

MA produces nothing BUT skilled and confident winter drivers!

I am in Boston and like to head up to VT and ME occasionally. I suppose 4 Mo would be a good option.

So now I know that I am looking for an SE with panoramic...perhaps SE 4 motion if the price is right.

[saabdrvr]

MA produces nothing BUT skilled and confident winter drivers!

I am in Boston and like to head up to VT and ME occasionally. I suppose 4 Mo would be a good option.

So now I know that I am looking for an SE with panoramic...perhaps SE 4 motion if the price is right.

I was in Maine visiting my daughter in late November early December 2011 - got hit with quite a bit of snow. We had General Altimax Artic winter tires on her VW Rabbit - no problems. You will definitely have better clearance with the Tiguan too.

[blipsman]

When I started my car shopping, I assumed that if I went the SUV route I'd go with AWD/4WD. But the big difference since I last shopped for an SUV is that most are now FWD if not all wheel...

I previously had a 2002 Jetta and a 2002 Passat, and both handled the snow of Chicago quite capably. I never got stuck, even on side streets w/ deep rutted snow that hadn't yet been plowed. I never had traction issues even in the middle of snowstorms. So I realized that if I had no issues with the two VW cars, why not save the money on the Tiguan? I'd assume it can only be better it'll be as surefooted but has better clearance, and snow getting into the lower grill had been the only issue before.

I just bought my (2011) Tiguan SEL in late March, so I haven't encountered snow with it yet, however...

[brian81]

MA produces nothing BUT skilled and confident winter drivers

You must not get out to western Mass much. I'd always read (as a former NYC resident) that New Jersey drivers were the worst. I've learned over almost 2 decades that the "average" W. Mass driver (certainly not the vortex type ) when combined with the Mass "roundabout" is a recipe for disaster. Throw in cold/snow/ice/salt/sand or a TV news report that a nor'easter is on the way, and it's a good idea to stay off the roads.

I previously had a 2002 Jetta and a 2002 Passat, and both handled the snow of Chicago quite capably. I never got stuck, even on side streets w/ deep rutted snow that hadn't yet been plowed. I never had traction issues even in the middle of snowstorms.

My experience also.

I grew up on Lake Erie, with winters a bit different (lake effect snows, but less windy) than in Chicago, but at least as bad. Learned to drive in the '70s on rear wheel drive land yachts with studded snows, until my dad bought an Eldorado. I learned that AWD gets you going in certain situations, but after you get moving it's a level playing field as far as stopping and turning. I realize there can be some debate about the benefit of AWD handling, but I've also seen a handful of crashes near me where someone with a WRX or Suburban who thinks snow = race day has ended up in the woods or with a car cleaved in two by a phone pole or tree.

When I worked for BMW in grad school, I learned that unless you're going truly off-road, need to put down more than 300 hp, or need 4 wheel traction to get up your driveway, AWD is not necessary. It adds complexity, weight, and gas consumption unnecessary on the street. An extra set of wheels with snows seemed to work great.

Currently we have 3 FWD cars with winter tires, and a driveway that rises 20 feet over a run of 110 feet, and have never had a problem in less than 8" of snow. More than that, I just don't go out since I can work from home. The Passat, which is lowered a bit less than 1.5" and has a Votex front airdam, can get hung up if the snow is wet and over 6", but our Mini is badass in snow and just rips right up the hill and anywhere we need to go.

I just bought my first AWD vehicle; for towing and (another excuse for my accountant) to visit my best friends that built a house 10 minutes from Sunday River...but only because it's a perfect low-mileage '98 G320 and only came AWD.

[Viktor Vaughn]

..... the Mass "roundabout" .....

....it's a rotary.

Thanks for the insight! I am scouring craigslist and cars.com as wee speak...getting closer.. Just wish I could find a private seller, I hate stealerships.

[saabdrvr]

....it's a rotary.

Thanks for the insight! I am scouring craigslist and cars.com as wee speak...getting closer.. Just wish I could find a private seller, I hate stealerships.

None listed here close to you or with the Trim level you want?
http://forums.vwvortex.com/forumdisp...p?1151-Tiguans

[jpipdw]

We live in the northeast US - Rochester, NY to be exact......one thing's for sure, we had a mild winter, but we usually get pounded with snow up here, so AWD was a necessity. We've always bought snow tires for our cars, but it just doesn't cut it sometimes. Even if the driveway is plowed in the morning, the roads aren't always plowed.

We wanted all wheel drive, and looked at many SUVs and crossovers, the Tiguan was our favorite. We wanted something sporty.

Right now, VW is giving a $2000 lease incentive, so we ordered a 2012 SEL 4Motion black on black Tig, and the final price ended up being 33,6 or so, with $3000 down the payment is quite low at around $400 or so (39 month lease)

At that price, we're able to get the nice trim level we wanted, but with no premium nav and dynaudio. We didn't really care considering we're still getting the RNS 310, and the car itself is fully loaded - black leather and all the goodies. We didn't need to pay 39k just for premium nav and dynaudio speakers, but we really wanted the 19 inch wheels and sport tuned suspension so this is why we chose the SEL.

Check out the current lease specials at your dealer - see if they're giving you $2000 on the SEL trim level, it will be worth your while to check it out!

________________________
rochester, ny
2012 tiguan sel 4motion | black metallic | black leather

[brian81]

....it's a rotary.

Thank you...it's always nice to use the proper termenology when labeling a group as moron


Another thing to consider is skill level. Especially if you're on the fence, for a lot less than additional the cost of AWD, you can take a high performance driving school that will give your abilities a boost that will stay with you for life. When my son got his license I took him to skip barber at LRP for a "teen-beginning driving day". I don't know if they still offer that, but when I told them he could drive a stick they said they'd move him to the 1 day HP class, which was nice as we could do the program together.

I'd done some autocross and had gone to Bondurant 20 years earlier, but the hour on a wet skidpad in a Hemi powered big-ass pickup truck was worth the price for the whole day. For my son it was certainly lapping time in a Viper. Or so I thought.

The next winter he came home from a party very excited. He was at a house on a ridge in our town which is about an 800 foot rise over about .7 miles of wide, new pavement (typical CT Mc Mansion subdivision). It began to snow/sleet while he was there and the road covered with snow over a layer of ice. He had our Mini, which still had the OE all season tires. As he came down the road, he saw that a couple of his friends had already spun or slid over the hefty curb. He said he basically rolled down the hill with his foot on the brake, following a girl in her mom's Cherokee. When they got to the one big, sweeping turn, the Jeep didn't fully make the turn and entered a driveway sideways and was stopped by a hedge. Alex made it through, and a few seconds later avoided hitting a car that was coming to rest out of a spin.

He said that had we not spent that day at Barber, there's no way he could have made it home intact.

[Viktor Vaughn]

Good points on driver skill. I have made it through New England winters for this long with much lesser cars, I am sure I will be fine with the fwd.

That being said, I test drove a 09, which happened to be 4 motion, today at a local VW dealer. Love the car. I must have one! Dealer nearly got me to look deeply at a 2012 S w/sunroof. If he would give it to me for 22 I might just jump haha.